Back Sprains Caused by an Accident or Fall Can Be Serious

The severity of a back sprain can range from mild to severe. Sudden movements can cause injury to the ligaments because the muscles don't have time to react as would happen in a fall or car accident. The muscles don't contract enough to keep the spine within its normal range of motion, causing ligaments to stretch, bruse or tear. Moderate [tag]back sprains[/tag] cause moderate back pain and swelling with bruising. Minor back sprains (slight tearing or overstretching of a ligament) cause minor back pain and swelling with little or no bruising.

Acute pain can result from a [tag]back sprain[/tag] regardless of the casue of the sprain. The pain may also gradually worsen over a few days as inflammation develops.

Severe back sprains cause severe back pain, swelling and bruising and make it virtually impossible to move. Like back strain, back sprains may trigger muscle spasms in the back. Temporary relief of back pain may be obtained with pain / anti-inflammatory medications and alternately applying heat and cold packets. Relief from pain and inflammation from pulled back muscles and/or ligaments can be obtained by applying ice to the injury. Be sure to wrap ice or a package of frozen food in cloth and don't apply anything that is frozen directly to skin. Hold in place for 15 to 20 minutes every 4 hours for two or three days. After four or five days, providing the inflammation has subsided, applying heat for 15 or 20 minutes at a time may be beneficial.

Your doctor may prescribe pain medications that contain codeine and/or muscle relaxants to relieve severe acute back pain, especially for the first week after the injury. Gentle stretching exercises for the back increase circulation to the muscles and will help increase mobility, speed healing, relieve tight muscles and speed the recovery. Save the strengthening exercises until your back pain has gone or as recommended by your medical doctor, chiropractor or physical therapist.